Parish councils in villages whose residents rely on the 94 bus service from Trowbridge to Bath have welcomed a decision by Bath & North East Somerset Council to provide matched funding.

The decision means the council will put in the same amount as Wiltshire Council to keep the Libra Travel bus service going. Wiltshire Council has been funding the service in its entirety since West of England Combined Authority (WECA) stopped funding it a year ago.

The 94 service goes from Trowbridge to Bath via Wingfield, Westwood, Freshford, Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe, and serves several schools and the University of Bath.

Wiltshire Times: The 94 bus service provides a vital lifeline for residents of rural villages between Trowbridge and Bath. The 94 bus service provides a vital lifeline for residents of rural villages between Trowbridge and Bath. (Image: John Baker)

A spokesperson for Wingfield Parish Council said: "Bus services are essential to villages such as Wingfield, with some residents relying on the 94 bus service.

“It's been good that Wiltshire Council has funded the service during this period of uncertainty over the bus's future and it's reassuring for residents to know that the service will now have cross-county match-funding for another year."

Cllr John Bishop, chair of Westwood Parish Council, added: “It’s great news. We had heard it before our ward member Cllr Johnny Kidney informed us at our parish council meeting on Monday.

“The parish council are delighted that Bath & North East Somerset Council has decided to reinstate the funding for the 94 bus service. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the campaign to persuade the council to change its mind.”

Cllr Julian Carpenter, who is responsible for highways and transport for Freshford Parish Council, said: “Parish councillors and residents have campaigned to keep the 94 bus running and we are delighted to hear that it will continue to serve the village.

“For some Freshford residents the 94 bus is an essential service with no alternative options – whether that’s for getting to school, college, work, or appointments. It’s a lifeline for some in the village and a vital community amenity.”

Cllr Des Wighton, chair of Monkton Combe Parish Council, said: “Residents and workers use this service to get into Bath and Trowbridge.

“It is invaluable, and now it is secure, we will work closely with communities along the route to encourage more people to use the 94 as this is better for the environment, the economy, and their health.”

The Bath & North East Somerset Council’s approval for matched funding follows a campaign by local Liberal Democratic Party members, and the support of the Conservative-controlled Wiltshire Council, which provided 100 per cent funding when the service was threatened.

More than 1,300 people signed a petition to save rural bus services in the area launched by Bath & North East Somerset councillor Fiona Gourley (Lib Dem, Bathavon South.

The service was threatened with the axe when the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) decided stop subsidising many rural bus routes in North East Somerset despite having a £57 million budget for public transport.

Cllr Fiona Gourley, BaNES Council’s member advocate for rural communities and a councillor for Bathavon South Ward, which includes Freshford and Monkton Combe, said: “I would like to thank everyone who joined me to lobby so hard for this vital service.

“Over 1300 people have signed my rural bus petition, including many along the route of the 94. I have heard from so many people, including elderly residents ringing in tears, desperately worried about the loss of their buses, and the negative impact on their lives.

“I am relieved that B&NES Council has secured the funding and thank Wiltshire Council for their patience in continuing to keep the service running.”